On 29 May, MINURSO celebrated the International Day of Peacekeepers by organizing a ceremony at the Parade Ground of Mission Headquarters in Laayoune.

The Force Commander, Major General Md Fakhrul Ahsan, presided over the ceremony, which was attended by MINURSO civilian and military staff. In his speech, the Force Commander recalled that this year’s celebration marked the 75th anniversary of UN Peacekeeping under the theme “Peace Begins with Me,” recognizing the service and sacrifice of every peacekeeper. He paid tribute to peacekeepers worldwide who sacrificed their lives for the cause of peace under the UN flag.

General Md Fakhrul Ahsan deposed a wreath of flowers at the monument of MINURSO peacekeepers fallen for the noble cause of peace.

Since the first UN peacekeeping mission was established in 1948, a total of 3,900 military, police and civilian personnel have lost their lives in the service of peace as a result of acts of violence, accidents and disease. On 29 May, UN offices, alongside UN peacekeeping missions, hold solemn events to honour fallen peacekeepers.

Check out the photos of the celebration: Flickr link 

The UN Secretary-General commemorated fallen peacekeepers at a ceremony at UN Headquarters on 25 May – click here for the story.